Frequently Asked Questions

Choose a date on any course page and book online, you can pay by card (or PayPal) at checkout. You can also book over the phone on 01433 424164.

Not always. Places are reserved by paying either the specified deposit or the full fee. The balance is due no later than 6 weeks before the course starts. If you book within 6 weeks of the start date, the full fee is payable when you book.

The balance of the course fee is due no later than 6 weeks before the course starts. If it isn't paid by then, Pure Outdoor may treat the booking as cancelled and re-sell the place.

Yes, all course fees include VAT unless otherwise stated.

Your course information is in the confirmation email you receive when you book. We also send a booking reminder approximately 7 days before your course starts.

Yes, that's something we specialise in. Get in touch with what you want to achieve and we'll tailor an itinerary to suit your requirements.

Cancellations must be made in writing (email is fine). Charges are based on the original course start date: more than 4 weeks before, 25% of the total course fee; between 4 and 2 weeks before, 75%; within 2 weeks, 100%. As courses run on fixed dates, the statutory 14-day cooling-off period doesn't apply.

Yes, if you ask in writing more than 6 weeks before the original start date. You can transfer to another date or another listed course for a £35 admin fee. Requests within 6 weeks of the start date are treated as cancellations.

Yes, with at least 2 weeks' written notice, provided the replacement meets the course requirements and we agree in writing. There's a £35 admin fee per substitution.

We may cancel or change a course for reasons such as dangerous weather, environmental hazards, instructor illness or low numbers. If we cancel, you choose between a full refund of the course fees or a transfer to another date (subject to availability). If a course is cancelled because of low numbers, we aim to tell you at least five days beforehand.

Our courses run in a range of weather, that's part of learning in the UK hills, so come prepared for the conditions. If the weather is genuinely dangerous we may modify or cancel a session, in which case you'll be offered a refund or an alternative date.

No. We're not liable for travel, accommodation or other consequential costs if a course is cancelled or modified, so we strongly recommend personal insurance that includes cancellation cover.

Gift vouchers are valid for 2 years from the date of purchase.

Buy a cash-value e-voucher in £10 steps (e.g. 10 x £10 for a £100 voucher), or buy a specific course as a voucher using 'Buy as a gift' on its course page. E-vouchers arrive instantly by email, ready to print or forward, and can be redeemed against any Pure Outdoor course.

Yes, you can add a printed Pure Outdoor voucher at checkout, posted to you or directly to the recipient.

Gift vouchers are non-refundable after the statutory cooling-off period, where that applies.

Most courses run from 9:30am to 4:30pm. The exact meeting time and place for your course are on the course page and in your booking confirmation email. On residential courses, accommodation is provided for the night before and we meet after breakfast.

Yes, you'll be out all day on most courses, so bring something to eat and drink. Self-service refreshments are available at The Adventure Hub.

Not on scheduled courses. On private bookings we can usually accommodate well-behaved dogs kept on a lead, please check with us first.

No, information you give us when booking remains confidential.

We supply all technical and safety equipment except climbing shoes. On navigation and hillwalking courses we ask you to bring your own map and compass. Check the kit list in your course information and get in touch if you can't get something you need.

Yes, rock shoes can be hired on the day if you're on a climbing course.

Come dressed for a day outdoors in changeable weather, and bring the clothing and equipment listed in your pre-course information, you're responsible for having appropriate kit. If you need anything, our shop at The Adventure Hub (adventure-hub.com) stocks navigation, climbing and outdoor essentials.

Yes. The Adventure Hub, an independent outdoor shop at our base in Bamford (and online at adventure-hub.com), sells navigation, climbing and outdoor equipment. Every Pure Outdoor course includes a 10% discount there.

From 13 years old, you can book onto our standard courses open to the public. Children aged 4-12 can take part through private bookings or tuition, with or without parents, by arrangement with our team. We're licensed by the Adventure Activities Licensing Service to work with under 18s.

Arriving fit and well helps you get the most from your course, and courses involve walking over rough and sometimes steep ground. Because we take a personal approach, we're happy to talk through your experience and fitness and advise on the right course for you.

Yes. Please tell us about any medical condition or injury when you book, and let your instructor know on the first day. It's kept confidential, and it lets us tailor activities to you and keep the group safe.

Yes, we run courses for all abilities, from complete beginners to people training for qualifications, and many courses are designed specifically as an introduction. Each course page lists any pre-requisites.

At The Adventure Hub, Unit 1 Hope Valley Garden Centre, Bamford, Hope Valley S33 0AL, just off the main road through the Hope Valley between Hathersage/Bamford and Hope/Castleton, in the heart of the Peak District National Park. For sat nav, the coordinates 53.340239, -1.693461 are the most accurate (the postcode is only a guide).

Yes, free parking. Park next to The Adventure Hub building if there's space, or use the overflow area in the back corner of the main Hope Valley Garden Centre car park, about 200m away.

Yes. Bamford railway station on the Hope Valley line is about a 5-minute walk from The Adventure Hub, and the nearest bus stop is 'Shatton Lane' (see traveline.info for times). Course times are arranged to fit public transport timetables where possible.

Yes. The driveway to The Adventure Hub looks like one-way traffic, but it isn't, the road markings are old and due to be updated.

Residential courses include accommodation. For non-residential courses you arrange your own, so you can choose anything from luxury hotels to B&Bs or camping. Our Accommodation Guide lists places nearby, and we're happy to help.

There's lots of choice within a few miles: B&Bs and a leisure hotel in Bamford, a campsite right next to The Adventure Hub, the YHA, inns and cottages in Hathersage, and more options in Hope, Bradwell, Castleton and Edale. See our Accommodation Guide for details and links.

Yes. Pure Outdoor holds an AALA licence (R2331), public liability insurance up to £10 million, professional indemnity and employers' liability insurance. These are audited annually, along with our risk assessments and operating procedures, which are available on request.

Yes. Our staff hold the relevant national governing body qualification or equivalent, have excellent local knowledge and take part in an annual training programme and ongoing CPD. Staff working with schools and young people hold current DBS checks where needed.

For UK courses we strongly recommend your own personal accident insurance, including cancellation cover. For overseas courses you must have specialist rescue, medical and repatriation insurance, and send us the details by the final payment date. The BMC and Snowcard both offer suitable mountaineering insurance.

We manage risk carefully with qualified staff, full safety equipment, risk assessments and operating procedures, but outdoor activities carry inherent risks that can't be removed entirely. We'll explain the risks and how we manage them, and ask everyone to follow the safety guidance given.

Yes. Any of our courses can be run privately, or we can plan a bespoke adventure for you, ideal if you have limited time but big ambitions. We work with individuals, couples and groups.

Yes, climbing, caving, biking and hiking days for families, tailored to your group and planned around where you're staying. Our staff have worked with families and children for over 20 years.

Yes, since 2006. We run single days and residentials for primary and secondary schools and youth groups, including GCSE PE climbing, activity days, staff team building and in-school problem-solving days.

For corporate groups we recommend Peak Events, an independent company specialising in team building, offsites and leadership programmes for businesses, in the Peak District and across the UK. Visit peak-events.co.uk to plan an event.

The Adventure Hub in Bamford, where Pure Outdoor is based, has classrooms with AV equipment, an indoor bouldering wall, rigging training facilities, equipment stores, an independent outdoor shop, refreshments, outdoor seating and parking.

Since 2006. Pure Outdoor is an award-winning outdoor activity centre in the Peak District, run from The Adventure Hub in the Hope Valley.

Our Articles of Association commit us to a positive environmental impact. We've insulated our building, use LED lighting and a mostly renewable energy tariff, recycle our old climbing ropes, and buy locally and from B Corps where we can. We also time courses around public transport and encourage car sharing.